Blackout curtains are a popular window furnishing used to block out light. They are thicker and heavier than regular curtains and are designed to prevent light from entering a room. Blackout curtains have a tight weave that stops light from passing through the fabric. This allows people to completely darken a room during daylight hours. There are several reasons why someone may want to install blackout curtains.
Why Use Blackout Curtains?
There are a few main reasons why people choose to use blackout curtains:
- Improve sleep – Blackout curtains block sunlight so the room stays completely dark. This can help people sleep better, especially during summer when early sunrises can disrupt sleep schedules.
- Insulate rooms – The heavy, opaque fabric of blackout curtains provides an extra layer of insulation. This helps keep rooms cooler in the summer and warmer in winter.
- Block light – Whether for sleeping or creating a darkroom effect, blackout curtains prevent any outdoor light from entering a space.
- Privacy – The opaque fabric keeps people from seeing into rooms from outside the home.
For these reasons, many people use blackout curtains in bedrooms, media rooms, nurseries, and other spaces where darkness and insulation are preferred.
How Do Blackout Curtains Block Light?
Blackout curtains are made from tightly woven fabric, often 100% polyester or a polyester blend. The tight weave blocks light from penetrating the curtains. This weave is much denser than regular curtains. Often, blackout fabrics have a vinyl coating on the back as well. The vinyl backing provides an extra light barrier. Here are some key features of blackout curtain fabric:
- Tightly woven polyester or polyester blend
- 220-300 threads per square inch
- Vinyl backing on reverse side
- Weighs 10-20 oz. per square yard
- Completely opaque
In addition to the special fabric, blackout curtains feature a full lining. This lining adds another light blocking layer when the curtains are closed. The combination of heavy fabric and full lining keeps all sunlight out. Even at midday, blackout curtains can make rooms pitch black.
Types of Blackout Curtains
There are a few different types of blackout curtains to choose from:
Rod pocket blackout curtains
This common style of blackout curtain has a pocket sewn into the top back. A rod slides through this pocket to hang the curtain. The rod pocket style offers these benefits:
- Simple to install – Just slide curtains onto a pole.
- Versatile – Works with any standard curtain rod.
- Relatively affordable – Prices range $15-$60 per panel.
The main downside is that light may leak in above the rod pocket. So these are not fully blackout.
Tab top blackout curtains
Tab top blackout curtains have button holes or cloth tabs sewn into the top back instead of a rod pocket. These tabs slide onto decorative curtain hooks on a rod. Benefits include:
- Custom look – Tab tops have a more upscale, decorative appearance.
- Blackout ability – Tabs provide a tighter light seal than rod pockets.
- Easy to install – Just slide tabs over curtain hooks.
Tab tops cost slightly more than rod pockets at $25-$100 per panel.
Grommet top blackout curtains
Grommet top curtains feature metal grommets across the top hem. The grommets slide right onto a pole for hanging. Benefits of this style include:
- Full blackout – The grommets seal tightly to the pole, blocking all light.
- Modern aesthetic – Grommets have a clean, contemporary look.
- Versatile – Works with different poles and hardware.
Grommet styles range from $30-$150 per panel.
Back tab blackout curtains
Back tab blackout curtains have tabs sewn onto the back top hem. The tabs connect to pins that secure into a rod or track system. These offer:
- Dramatic look – Back tabs create soft gathered folds when open.
- Light blocking – The anchored tabs provide a tight closure.
- Easy operation – Smoothly glides open and closed.
Back tab blackout curtains cost $60-$200 per panel. They require specific hardware like a café rod.
Blackout curtain liner
These are separate blackout lining panels. They layer behind regular curtains to instantly blackout a room. Benefits include:
- Affordable blackout solution – Liners cost just $10-$30 per panel.
- Easy installation – No need to replace current curtains.
- Versatile – Works with any existing curtains and rods.
The main con is that two curtain layers are required.
Blackout Curtain Fabrics
Blackout curtains are made from a variety of fabric types. The main options include:
Polyester
Polyester is the most common blackout fabric. It’s an affordable synthetic that can be tightly woven. Polyester blackout curtains have these traits:
- Durable – Withstands frequent use and cleaning.
- Wrinkle resistant – Holds shape well.
- Fade resistant – Retains color over time.
- Budget friendly – Typically the lowest cost option.
Polyester does not breathe or insulate well. It may retain odors over time.
Polyester/cotton
This blend combines polyester and cotton. The polyester provides opacity while the cotton offers breathability. Benefits include:
- Good blackout ability – Polyester makes it opaque.
- Softer feel – Cotton adds comfort.
- Natural feel – Doesn’t retain odors like 100% polyester.
- Easy care – Machine washable and wrinkle resistant.
The cotton content makes this blend cost a bit more than 100% poly.
Faux silk
Faux silk blackout curtains use synthetic silk-like fibers. This provides:
- Luxurious look and feel – Mimics real silk.
- Affordable – Much less costly than real silk.
- Wrinkle resistant – Holds shape well.
- Easy care – Can be machine washed.
Faux silk is pricier than polyester but less expensive than real silk.
Blackout curtain lining
Many blackout curtains feature a 100% polyester lining. This lining adds extra light blocking power. The opaque lining prevents light seepage. Lined curtains offer:
- Enhanced blackout ability – Lining provides added light blocking.
- Insulation – Lining adds an extra layer to retain heat.
- Privacy – Harder to see inside when lined.
- Noise reduction – Lowers outside noise a bit.
Lining does make curtains a bit heavier and warmer overall.
How to Install Blackout Curtains
Installing blackout curtains is a simple project for most window types. Follow these tips for proper installation:
Get the right measurements
Use a cloth measuring tape to measure the exact width and length of your window. For the length, measure from above the window trim down to where you want curtains to hang. Add 2-3 inches for ideal fullness.
Purchase proper hardware
Blackout curtains are heavier than normal curtains. Be sure to get a sturdy bracket and pole designed for the curtain weight. Curtain rings, hooks and other hardware should also be built for heavy use.
Mount hardware correctly
Attach all brackets securely into wall studs, not just drywall. Space brackets equal distances apart and level. Mount the pole through the brackets so it is snug but can still slide back and forth.
Hang curtains properly
For rod pocket curtains, carefully slide the pole through the pocket. For other styles, attach the tabs, grommets or back tabs onto the rings, hooks or pole. Hang them just below the ceiling for a flush, consistent look.
Seal edges and overlaps
Use blackout curtain tape or adhesive weather stripping to seal any gaps along edges or overlaps. This prevents light seepage for complete blackout ability.
Follow these tips precisely for blackout curtains that are functional, properly fitted and visually appealing.
Blackout Curtain Alternatives
Here are a few alternative options for blacking out windows:
Blackout shades
Blackout roller shades and roman shades feature the same light blocking fabrics and mechanisms as blackout curtains. They roll up neatly out of sight.
Blackout blinds
These function like regular blinds but have blackout fabric between the slats. They allow privacy and light control.
Blackout film
Applying blackout window film is an easy DIY solution. It sticks directly to windows to instantly block light.
Room darkening shades
Room darkening shades reduce ambient light. But they are not fully opaque like true blackout shades and curtains.
Garage door insulation
For garage windows, applying reflective insulation panels helps prevent light seepage.
Conclusion
Blackout curtains utilize tightly woven, light blocking fabrics to completely darken rooms. They come in a variety of styles like rod pocket, tab top and grommet top designs. Blackout curtain panels can be made from polyester, cotton/poly blends or faux silk. They often feature full linings for enhanced light blocking. Blackout curtains offer privacy, insulation, and the ability to make rooms pitch black, even during the daytime. With the right measurements and hardware, installing blackout curtains is a straightforward process. Alternatives like shades, blinds and window film can also provide blackout capabilities. Whether for the bedroom, media room or any space that needs total darkness, blackout curtains are an effective option for blocking all light.
